CN103200993A - Particle therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

本发明的目的在于得到一种能抑制泄漏剂量的影响的粒子射线治疗装置。包括：照射头(21)，该照射头(21)使从加速器(1)射出的粒子射线(B)向规定方向照射；照射控制部(42)，该照射控制部(42)对照射头(21)的动作进行控制，以分别对设定在照射对象(TC)内的平面方向(A_SS)内的多个束点(SP)依次照射规定剂量的粒子射线(B)；以及控制部(4)，该控制部(4)对来自加速器(1)的粒子射线(B)的射出进行开启/关闭控制；在从将射出从开启切换为关闭的时刻(T_F)起的规定期间(PW)内，或者在粒子射线(B)被遮断之前的期间内，照射控制部(42)利用照射头(21)来使粒子射线(B)向照射对象(TC)内的规定范围(A_P)内进行稀释扫描。

An object of the present invention is to obtain a particle beam therapy apparatus capable of suppressing the influence of a leakage dose. Comprising: an irradiation head (21), the irradiation head (21) irradiates the particle beam (B) emitted from the accelerator (1) in a prescribed direction; an irradiation control unit (42), the irradiation control unit (42) controls the irradiation head ( 21) is controlled to sequentially irradiate a predetermined dose of particle beams (B) to a plurality of beam spots (SP) set in the planar direction (_ASS ) in the irradiation target (TC); and the control unit ( 4) The control unit (4) performs on/off control of the emission of particle beams (B) from the accelerator (1); during a predetermined period (PW) from the time (T_F ) when the emission is switched from on to off ), or during the period before the particle beam (B) is blocked, the irradiation control unit (42) uses the irradiation head (21) to direct the particle beam (B) to a predetermined range (A_P ) within the irradiation target (TC) Dilution scans are performed within.

Description

Particle-beam therapeutic apparatus

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that uses charged particle beam, relate in particular to a kind of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that uses the scanning irradiation.

Background technology

Particle-beam therapeutic is by shining the affected part that becomes treatment target with charged particle beam (particle ray), thereby affected tissue is killed and wounded to treat, for perienchyma is suffered damage, and give affected tissue enough dosage, need a kind of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that can suitably control exposure dose, irradiated volume.In the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of the scanning irradiation in using the method that forms this irradiated volume, utilize scanning electro-magnet etc. that the charged particle beam that is provided by accelerator is positioned and scans simultaneously, thereby each less irradiation area (bundle point) is carried out the irradiation of prescribed dose, be stepwise formed irradiation field.For the raster scanning irradiation in the scanning irradiation with raster scanning and the combined situation of eliminating the irradiation of the beam blocking between the bundle point of spot scan irradiation, carry out charged particle beam irradiation incessantly, up to the irradiation of finishing a section.

On the other hand, for to breathe the internal organs move be the situation of irradiation object to follow, in order only to shine under the breathing state less and definite position easily in the displacement of internal organs, need make the irradiation of charged particle beam and breathing phases synchronously carry out On/Off.In addition, in final moment of the scanning of each section irradiation, be the situation that the irradiation of last bundle point is carried out the blocking action of beam when finishing, also need to carry out the blocking of beam.Yet, owing to be difficult in the charged particle beam blocking that moment will penetrate from accelerator, so in the short time after begin to interdict action, can irradiate the dosage of the trace that is called leaking dose.Therefore, can give unnecessary dosage to the bundle point that has begun the blocking action, the amount that this is unnecessary is suitable with the amount of leaking dose, thereby has the problem that is difficult to give according to treatment plan suitable dose.Therefore, a kind of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus has been proposed, the deflection electric magnet that changes beam trajectory is set in the transport path that connects accelerator and irradiation unit and will have changed the beam dump (beam dump) that the charged particle beam of track is discarded, thereby shorten the required time of blocking thus and suppress leaking dose (for example, with reference to patent documentation 1).

The prior art document

Patent documentation

Patent documentation 1: the Japan Patent spy open the 2009-45170 communique (0020～0029, Fig. 1)

Summary of the invention

Invent technical problem to be solved

Yet, even in above-mentioned particle-beam therapeutic apparatus, also can postpone by generation time because carrying out orbit modification, thereby be difficult to stop a leak reliably dosage.And, also there is following problem: in order to carry out the beam blocking, need kine bias to change electric magnet, the such attachment device of beam dump, perhaps for the neutron that produces in the beam dump is handled, to transform etc. transport path, cause the complicated of device.

The present invention proposes in order to address the above problem, and its purpose is to obtain a kind of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that can suppress the influence of leaking dose.

The technical scheme that adopts for dealing with problems

Particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of the present invention is characterised in that, comprising: accelerator, this accelerator accelerate and with its ejaculation particle ray; Irradiation head, this irradiation head have two different electric magnet of scanning direction, and will shine to prescribed direction from the particle ray that described accelerator penetrates; The irradiation control part, this irradiation control part is controlled the action of described irradiation head, to shine the particle ray of prescribed dose successively to being set in a plurality of bundle points on the in-plane in the irradiation object respectively; And control part, this control part is to carrying out On/Off control from the ejaculation of the particle ray of described accelerator, switch in the specified time limit in the moment of closing from unlatching in the ejaculation with described particle ray, perhaps in particle ray by in during till interdicting, described irradiation control part uses described irradiation head to carry out in the prescribed limit on the in-plane that is arranged in the described irradiation object scanning (hereinafter being called dilution scanning) for the dilution leaking dose.

The invention effect

According to particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of the present invention, even in the irradiation process of regulation bundle point, produce the beam blocking, leaking dose in the beam blocking process also can be at the prescribed limit internal diffusion of irradiation object, therefore, can give more the dosage near treatment plan, and unnecessary dosage is concentrated on the specific bundle point.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the integrally-built figure for the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 1.

Fig. 2 is the figure for the structure of the irradiation unit of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 1.

Fig. 3 is the figure for the scanning irradiation of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 1.

Fig. 4 is the oscillogram for the beam control method of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 1.

Fig. 5 is the figure for the structure of the irradiation unit of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 3.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart for the irradiation control method of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of explanation embodiments of thepresent invention 3.

The specific embodiment

Embodiment 1.

Below, structure and the action of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of embodiments of thepresent invention 1 described.Fig. 1～Fig. 4 is for to the structure of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of embodiments of thepresent invention 1 and the figure that action describes, Fig. 1 is the integrally-built figure for the explanation particle-beam therapeutic apparatus, and Fig. 2 is the figure of structure of the irradiation unit of expression particle-beam therapeutic apparatus.Fig. 3 is that Fig. 3 (a) is the figure of the irradiation sequence in the whole irradiation object of expression (gross area) for the vertical view of the irradiation object of explanation scanning irradiation, and Fig. 3 (b) is the enlarged drawing of the round CB part among Fig. 3 (a).And, Fig. 4 be for the control method of explanation charged particle beam synchronously after oscillogram, the gate signal in the Synchronization Control is breathed in Fig. 4 (a) expression, Fig. 4 (b) shows the beam current of following gate signal and changing, Fig. 4 (c) show irradiation object bundle point and be used for to this bundle point shine by the beam of the scanning electro-magnet realization deflection angle on x direction and y direction respectively.

Embodiments of thepresent invention 1 related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus is characterised in that, when shining in the process of certain a branch of point, when having produced the control that stops beam based on breathing phases by the scanning irradiation, dilute scanning so that beam is swung in during till beam stops in prescribed limit.Yet, before this beam control is elaborated, utilize the general configuration of the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of Fig. 1 to describe earlier.Among the figure, particle-beam therapeutic apparatus comprises: providing the synchrotron in source as charged particle beam is circular accelerator 1 (hereinafter referred is accelerator); Comprise the irradiation system that is arranged on theirradiation unit 2 in each therapeutic room 6; Link to each other, charged particle beam be delivered to from accelerator theinduction system 3 of theirradiation unit 2 of each therapeutic room 6 with each therapeutic room 6 withaccelerator 1; And thecontrol system 4 of controlling these each systems.Then, each structure is described.

＜accelerator 〉

Accelerator 1 comprises: vacuum pipeline 11, and this vacuum pipeline 11 is orbital paths that charged particle beam is rotated; Go into injection device 12, this is gone into injection device 12 and is used for and will be incided by the charged particle that prime accelerator 5 provides in the vacuum pipeline 11; Deflection electric magnet 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d (being referred to as 13), this deflection electric magnet 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are used for the track of charged particle is deflected, with form charged particle along the surround orbits in the vacuum pipeline 11 carry out around charged particle beam; Focus on electric magnet 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d (being referred to as 14), this focusing makes the charged particle that is formed on the surround orbit focus on to prevent its diffusion with electric magnet 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d; High frequency accelerating cavity 15, this high frequency accelerating cavity 15 apply with the synchronous high frequency voltage of the charged particle that rotates and make its acceleration; Ejecting device 16, this ejecting device 16 is used for and will be fetched into outside the accelerator 1 through the charged particle beam that accelerates in accelerator 1, and injects to induction system 3; And six types of severe debility disease electric magnet 17, this six types of severe debility disease electric magnet 17 penetrates and excitation resonance the surround orbit of charged particle beam from ejecting device 16 in order to make charged particle beam.

In addition, also comprise for the not shown device that each several part is controlled, for example: deflection electric magnet 13 comprises the deflection electromagnet control device that the exciting current of deflection electric magnet 13 is controlled; Highfrequency accelerating cavity 15 comprises for the high frequency source that high frequency voltage is provided to highfrequency accelerating cavity 15 and for the high audio-frequency control device of controlling high frequency source, and, also comprise the accelerator control device (accelerator described later with sub-controller 41) etc. of deflection electromagnet control device, high audio-frequency control device, focusing being controlledwhole accelerator 1 with other elements such as electric magnet 14 in thecontrol part 4.

In addition, in order to simplify, in the drawings prime accelerator 5 is described as an equipment, but in fact, prime accelerator 5 comprises generation proton, the ion source (ion beam generator) of carbon charged particles (ion) such as (heavy particles) and the linear accelerator system of the charged particle that produces being carried out initial acceleration.And, the charged particle of injectingaccelerator 1 from prime accelerator 5 by high-frequency electric field, be accelerated to aboutlight velocity 70%～80% in, by Magnet deflection.

＜induction system 〉

Charged particle beam B afteraccelerator 1 accelerates is radiated into and is called HEBT (high energy beam current transports: High Energy Beam Transport) in theinduction system 3 ofsystem.Induction system 3 comprises the deflectionelectric magnet 33 that thevacuum pipeline 31 of the transport path that becomes charged particle beam B, switching device shifter that the beam trajectory of charged particle beam B is switched namely switchelectric magnet 32 and beam carried out deflection towards predetermined angular.And, for having been given enough energy byaccelerator 1 and having entered into charged particle beam B in thevacuum pipeline 31, as required by switchelectric magnet 32 change transport path (6A of therapeutic room withtransport path 3A, same 6B withtransport path 3B ..., same6N transport path 3N), and it is imported to theirradiation unit 2 that is arranged in each appointed therapeutic room 6.

＜irradiation system 〉

Irradiation system comprisesirradiation unit 2 and breathes synchronizer 7, describedirradiation unit 2 will be formed with irradiation object by the charged particle beam B thatinduction system 3 provides, be the corresponding irradiation field of size, the degree of depth of affected part TC of patient K, shine to affected part.And, make to irradiation object, be On/Off and the breathing of the irradiation of affected part TC link (according to the phase place of breath signal) control.In addition, with regard to the viewpoint of therapeutic efficiency, usually, particle-beam therapeutic apparatus possesses a plurality of therapeutic rooms with respect to single accelerator, and (only described the 6A of therapeutic room among the figure, the 6B～6N of therapeutic room only represents with numbering.Be referred to as therapeutic room 6).That is, in the irradiation system shown here, in each therapeutic room 6, be provided withirradiation unit 2 and breathe synchronizer 7, for example, for the irradiation system that the 6A of therapeutic room uses, describe it asirradiation unit 2A and breathe synchronizer 7A.In addition, the detailed construction ofirradiation unit 2 will be described hereinafter, and next continues whole particle-beam therapeutic apparatus is described.

＜breathing synchronizer 〉

It is synchronous with the breathing phases of patient K to breathe synchronizer 7, thereby plays as the part of functions of breathing Synchronization Control portion, and this breathes the control of Synchronization Control portion from the On/Off of the ejaculation of the charged particle beam B of accelerator 1.Therefore, breathe synchronizer 7 and comprise:respiration monitoring device 71, thisrespiration monitoring device 71 is used for the breathing state of patient K is measured; Breathe synchronizermain body 70, this breathing synchronizermain body 70 is come the out gate signal based on the actual respiratory waveform thatrespiration monitoring device 71 is measured to, and whole breathing synchronizer 7 managed, can described gate signal represent (On/Off) to shoot out the charged particle beam ofautoacceleration device 1; And respiration information apparatus for demonstrating 72, this respiration information apparatus for demonstrating 72 will be presented to patient K, medical skill personnel etc. for the synchronously relevant information of the target respiratory waveform of breathing guiding or actual respiratory waveform etc. and breathing.

＜therapeutic room 〉

Therapeutic room 6 is the rooms of patient K irradiation charged particle beam B being treated for reality, and basically, each therapeutic room includes above-mentioned irradiation system.In addition, among the 6A of therapeutic room in the drawings, show the example of rotary irradiation chamber (being also referred to as rotary frame), in this rotary irradiation chamber, all centered by patient K (treatment table), be rotated towhole irradiation unit 2A from deflectionelectric magnet 33G part, thereby energy freely be set the irradiating angle of the patient K of charged particle beam B.Usually,single accelerator 1 possesses a plurality of therapeutic rooms, for example: from the horizontal exposure cell of irradiation unit along continuous straight runs to the patient exposure particle beam on the treatment table that is fixed on the free set angle of energy, position; And other dissimilar therapeutic room.

＜control system 〉

As the above-mentioned control system that comprises the system of a plurality of subsystems (irradiation system inaccelerator 1,induction system 3, each therapeutic room etc.) like that, mostly use by the sub-controller of special each subsystem of control with to integral body is commanded and the master controller controlled constitutes level type control system.Also adopted the structure of this master controller and sub-controller in thecontrol part 4 of the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that embodiments of thepresent invention 1 are related.And share function in control system as follows: namely, the action that can control in subsystem is controlled by sub-controller, and the control action that a plurality of systems are linked is controlled by master controller.

On the other hand, in thecontrol part 4 of particle-beam therapeutic apparatus, adopt work station, computer usually.Therefore, the function of the master controller ofcontrol part 4, sub-controller etc. is waited to realize by software, and needn't be defined in specific hardware.Therefore, though among the figure they are described ascontrol part 4 in the lump, this does not also mean thatcontrol part 4 exists with the form that physically is integrated into single hardware.Hereinafter, for example, under the situation of the expression controller suitable with the sub-controller ofirradiation unit 2, describe it as sub-controller 42.

Then, the structure toirradiation unit 2 describes.As shown in Figure 2,irradiation unit 2 comprises: scanning electro-magnet 21, this scanning electro-magnet 21 plays the effect as irradiation head, the charged particle beam B of the so-called form of a stroke or a combination of strokes that described irradiation head will be provided byaccelerator 1 viainduction system 3 to beam axis X_BAny direction in the plane of approximate vertical shines; Ridged filter (ridge filter) 22, this ridged filter (ridge filter) 22 is used for enlarging according to the thickness of irradiation object TC the width of bragg peak; Andrange transducer 23, thisrange transducer 23 is used for changing according to the degree of depth (the irradiation degree of depth) of irradiation object the energy (range) of charged particle beam B.Scanning electro-magnet 21 is along beam axis X_B, with beam axis X_BDifferent () scanning electro-magnet 21a and scanning electro-magnet 21b for example, the x direction of quadrature and y direction, this scanning electro-magnet 21 makes the charged particle beam B that injects with respect to beam axis X to the configuration yawing moment in the vertical face (xy)_BTo the direction deflection of regulation, so that the assigned position in the xy face of charged particle beam B directive irradiation object TC.If will be divided into a plurality of zonules in the irradiation beam point, then there is the charged particle by different-thickness to be that the mode that leg-of-mutton plate is arranged in the plane forms with a plurality of bullets or cross section for example inridged filter 22 in each zonule.Among the figure, be easy understanding, described the situation of planar arranging circular cone.Thus, the width S OBP (Spread-Out Bragg Peak: expand bragg peak) with bragg peak enlarges.That is, enlarged the width that can give the depth direction of dosage by ridged filter 22.Range transducer 23 for example, comprises that multi-disc has the resin plate of specific thickness, and can come the regulation attenuation by this sheet material is made up (gross thickness) for the amount of the energy attenuation regulation that makes the charged particle beam B that injects.

For the situation of usingirradiation unit 2 as described above, also utilizing the scanning irradiation to shine, on the degree of depth (z) direction, the dosage that gives on the space is cut apart to shine.For this reason, in treatment plan, TC is cut apart to affected part, to have the thickness of regulation respectively on depth direction.Then, as shown in Figure 3, the shape A on the in-plane of the layer after each is cut apart (section SS)_SSIn, the irradiation area of arrangement specified diameter (being equivalent to beam diameter) (a bundle point SP) makes to come shape A in mode very close to each other_SSCover, and preestablish dosage and the exposure pathways WPS of each bundle point SP.

Basically, the layer (a section SS) from the deep that comprises affected part TC begins to shine.At first, according to the section SS in deep₁The degree of depth set the energy (range: arrive the degree of depth) of the charged particle beam B that will shine from irradiation unit 2.Be the speed (kinetic energy) of the charged particle beam B that penetrates fromaccelerator 1 because energy is adjusted basically, therefore control and set the action ofaccelerator 1 via sub-controller 41, but for the meticulousr setting of amplitude that the energy that Billy carries out withaccelerator 1 is adjusted, then undertaken by range transducer 23.Thus, adjust energy, becoming the regulation range, and the charged particle beam B that will be provided by accelerator is byinduction system 3, offersirradiation unit 2 as the so-called pencilbeam of diameter about for number mm.When the charged particle beam B that offersirradiation unit 2 passes through scanning electro-magnet 21, make it with respect to beam axis X according to the position of restrainting some SP_BAt x direction (21a) and y direction (21b) upper deflecting predetermined angular, and change direction of illumination in the mode towards this bundle point SP.Then, directive should be restrainted the charged particle beam B of some SP byridged filter 22, and thus, SOBP is extended, with suitable with the thickness of section SS.In addition, make charged particle beam B byrange transducer 23, come thus range is finely tuned, and regulate irradiation dose (beam current * time), thus can be to this SS that cuts into slices₁The charged particle beam B of regulation bundle point SP irradiation prescribed dose.

Finish the layer in deep (section SS thus₁) irradiation after, be transferred to next one section SS₂Irradiation.At this moment, adjusted byaccelerator 1 and 22 pairs of ranges of range transducer, make the energy of charged particle beam B reduce to be equivalent to the amount (range shortens) of thickness of SS of cutting into slices, and according to next one section SS₂Corresponding bundle point SP configuration and the exposure pathways WPS SS that cuts into slices₂Scanning irradiation.Afterwards, with the same manner to each SS that cuts into slices_jAdjust configuration and the exposure pathways of its range, bundle point SP, thereby the dosage that is suitable for affected part TC shape most is provided on the whole.

In the irradiation control in the section SS of these sections among the SS, the control of carrying out in the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus ofpresent embodiment 1 is the control of having introduced the raster scanning key element in bundle spot scan irradiation.That is, when in each section SS, come the 1st a bundle point SP according to exposure pathways WPS₁To last bundle point SP_NPosition, when also successively it being shone simultaneously, as raster scanning, shine beam, and simultaneously to restraint the movement between a SP at a high speed.Usually, in a section SS, the quantity of the bundle point SP of distribution nearly hundreds of～hundreds thousand of, if all interdict charged particle beam B when moving between bundle point SP at every turn, then the time meeting that consumes of blocking is elongated, causes treatment time elongated.Yet, move to restraint between some SP at each at a high speed like that by the same time image raster scanning at prolonged exposure, thereby the blocking number of times of the charged particle beam B among the SS that can suppress to cut into slices reduces irradiation time, and can halved tie point SP part in addition not give unnecessary dosage.

On the other hand, in irradiation as described above, breathe to produce when mobile when irradiation object TC follows, implement to breathe synchronously, this breathings is only shone under the position of irradiation object TC and breathing phases dimensionally stable, that stipulate synchronously.So, even in the irradiation process in section SS, also need to interrupt the beam irradiation.For example, as shown in Figure 3, have following situation: certain the section SS the xy in-plane on flat shape, be range of exposures A_SSIn, at bundle point SP₁～SP_I-1Till scope (range of exposures ADS) in finished irradiation, and at irradiation section SP_iProcess in, stop owing to breathing phases makes beam.The maximum of the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that embodiments of thepresent invention 1 are related is characterised in that, be when the beam of the interruption midway irradiation of above-mentioned bundle point SP (section SS), and irradiation is controlled to beam.Below, be elaborated with reference to the oscillogram of figure 4.

Fig. 4 (a)～Fig. 4 (c) shows the deflection angle of gate signal, beam current and the beam of switch this moment, the indication beam.The longitudinal axis of Fig. 4 (a) is gate signal, and downside interdicts, namely disconnects the state of (gate OFF) for indicating beam, and upside shines, is the state of beam unlatching (beam ON) for the indication beam.The longitudinal axis of Fig. 4 (b) is the beam current of the beam amount of the actual irradiation of expression.Fig. 4 (c) expression irradiation object bundle point and for the deflection angle of the beam that this irradiation beam point is shone, deflection angle is divided into two longitudinal axis and is described, and the longitudinal axis of upside represents to make charged particle beam B that beam produces at the scanning electro-magnet 21a of x direction upper deflecting with respect to beam axis X_BDeflection angle, the longitudinal axis of downside represents to make charged particle beam B that beam produces at the scanning electro-magnet 21b of y direction upper deflecting with respect to beam axis X_BDeflection angle.And the transverse axis of Fig. 4 (a)～Fig. 4 (c) is synchronous time shaft, T_OThereby the expression gate signal switches to the moment that beam is opened in the conducting indication again, T from disconnection_FThereby the expression gate signal switches to the moment that disconnects indication blocking beam from conducting.

Here, make the following assumptions: shine in certain therapeutic room, the breathing synchronizermain body 70 in the therapeutic room is sub-controller 47, and plays the effect as a part of breathing Synchronization Control portion.For playing as the sub-controller 47 of breathing the effect of Synchronization Control portion, the breathing phases of judging patient K as if the actual respiratory waveform that is measured to byrespiration monitoring device 71 becomes the big phase place of affected part TC displacement change, and then the output expression should be closed the gate signal of this meaning of irradiation.The control part 4 (with sub-controller 47 interlocks, to play as the effect of breathing synchronizer) that receives gate signal sends indication toaccelerator 1 usefulness sub-controller 41, come in the mode synchronous with gate signal, close the ejaculation (blocking beam) from the charged particle beam B of accelerator 1.So, interdicted from the charged particle beam B ofaccelerator 1directive irradiation unit 2.

Yet shown in Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 4 (b), even gate signal is switched to disconnection, beam current can be at switching instant T yet_FBecome 0 immediately, beam current fails to be convened for lack of a quorum remaining in period P L.The integration amount DL of the beam current in the PL irradiates as theilluminated device 2 of leaking dose during this period.At this moment, if the deflection angle of scanning electro-magnet 21 still faces toward a bundle point SP_i, then can be to bundle point SP_iThe unnecessary dosage that irradiation is suitable with the amount of DL.Yet, in the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus ofpresent embodiment 1, thinking that the specified time limit that has the leaking dose influence is (for example, from T at least_FRise, have the length that can cover PL during) in, the action ofirradiation unit 2 is switched, with the range of exposures A to this section SS_SSThe interior adimission area A that is further limited_PIn dilute scanning.In addition, can not adopt specified time limit yet, and the sensor that beam is observed is set, and continue to dilute scanning and interdicted up to beam.That is, the action of scanning electro-magnet 21 is controlled, as long as make have beam to penetrate, just scanned to dilute leaking dose.Adimission area A_PBe set at the zone with certain above area such more than the Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae of for example restrainting spot diameter, and in this area, leaking dose diluted.

For example, based on Fig. 4 (c) switching instant T is described_FThe action of the scanning electro-magnet 21 of front and back.At this moment, suppose that the time irradiation object inscribed that gate signal becomes conducting is a bundle point SP_I-3, and after gate signal switched to conducting, irradiation object was followed successively by bundle point SP_I-2, SP_I-1, SP_i, and at irradiation beam point SP_iProcess in moment T_FGate signal is switched to disconnection down.In the part of not considering the beam blocking, shown in Fig. 3 (b), for SP_I-3～SP_i, the invariant position of y direction, therefore, the y deflection angle is expressed as certain value basically.On the other hand, because mobile in the x direction, therefore, only the deflection angle of x direction is followed the change of object bundle point SP and is changed.At this moment, the translational speed between the bundle point is very fast, thereby the required time and the weak point of comparing in the time of staying of each bundle point of the movement between the bundle point, and therefore, waveform is roughly stepped.

Here, enter beam switching instant T_FAfter, with such high speed when moving between bundle point charged particle beam B is scanned, namely scan in the mode of waving, with at adimission area A_PIn carry out the dilution of leaking dose DL, therefore, in this period PW, the deflection angle of the deflection angle of x direction, y direction can produce bigger variation.In addition, there is shown the variation of following this deflection angle: namely, suppose identical with path WPS, when the x direction is turned back, to change such unicursal path in the y direction, at substantially oblong-shaped adimission area A_PIn carry out multiple scanning.And, after dilution scan period PW finishes, scanning electro-magnet 21 is controlled, to be adjusted into and interrupted bundle point SP_iCorresponding deflection angle.Therefore, when the respiration gate becomes conducting instantly, can control bunchy point SP reliably_iThereby corresponding deflection angle is carried out ensuing irradiation, thus can to gate signal become unlatching during bundle point SP_iLight period between suitably regulate.

That is, in scanning irradiation, may there be following situation: because gate signal makes the blocking that enters beam in the process that certain bundle point SP is shone move; Perhaps, in the final moment of each section, the blocking action that after the irradiation of finishing last bundle point SP, and then enters beam.Yet, even enter beam blocking action thus, but be radiated at the adimission area A with regulation area owing to scan the leakage that makes when interdicting_PInternal diffusion, therefore, dosage is diluted, and makes dosage not be concentrated in specific part, so can give dosage according to treatment plan.

In addition, among Fig. 4 (c), the irradiation beam number of spots shown in a door start signal is interior is four, but this only is in order to describe quantity to be limited.In fact can shine more bundle point, also can bundle points different on the y direction among Fig. 3 be shone, at this moment, deflection angle also can change according to the position of y direction.

About adimission area A_PSetting, not necessarily to set than the section irradiation area A_SSLittler, also can be onesize zone.Yet, gate signal become disconnect mean irradiation object TC, be that the probability that certain internal organs produces displacement uprises.Therefore, in order to prevent giving unnecessary dosage to being positioned at irradiation object TC normal structure on every side, preferably with adimission area A_PBe set in irradiation area A_SSThe inside, and reserve surplus.In addition, follow the situation of the displacement (direction, distance) of breathing and producing for known internal organs, also can come surplus or adimission area A according to displacement_PItself suitably changes.And, adimission area A_PAlso need not to comprise T_FThe time inscribe irradiated bundle point SP, also can separate setting with a bundle point SP.In addition, also can carry out suitable change according to the moment, the object bundle point that switch to dilution scanning.In addition, adimission area A_PIn the path of dilution scanning need not with restraint spot scan in the path identical, also can dilute scanning with the path of spiral type or other shape.And, for the dilution scan condition, as long as wave irradiation and scan in the mode of waving as so-called, and need not as waving irradiation, to make dosage to be evenly distributed in the range of exposures, otherwise making dosage concentrate on specific part gets final product.

As long as in the scope of the deflection angle that is used to form common irradiation field, scanning electro-magnet 21 is controlled, just can realize this irradiation, therefore, need not to change the specification of scanning electro-magnet, or the deflection electric magnet is set in addition.In addition, when scanning dilution scanning electro-magnet operational ton (aperture of deflection angle) basically in the scope of the operational ton when irradiation usually, therefore, can not make scanning electro-magnet produce the hysteresis different with normal conditions because of dilution scanning, the precision of scanning is reduced.In addition, forcontrol part 4, as long as append the sequential programme that for example is used for action is switched to dilution scanning, also just need not to use special hardware.In addition, though be accompanied by be used to the appending of the operational ton data of diluting scanning, may need memory capacity etc. is strengthened, provide the memory capacity with ormal weight to get final product to these need, therefore, a processing that needs computer to be carried out common so-called performance boost gets final product.

In addition, need not above-mentioned dilution scanning limit(s) is fixed on beam when blocking.For example, opening the moment T of beam again_ODown, can exist beam current unsettled during, and the dosage during this period roughly can avoid its influence by dilution, for this situation, can use dilution scanning to cover mode during this period.In this case, need be when calculating dosage, from the gate ON time, deduct dilute scanning during.

As mentioned above, the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus related according topresent embodiment 1 comprises:accelerator 1, and thisaccelerator 1 accelerates charged particle beam (particle ray) B and penetrate; Scanning electro-magnet 21, this scanning electro-magnet 21 have scanning direction different twoelectric magnet 21a, 21b, and the particle ray B that penetrates fromaccelerator 1 is shone to prescribed direction, to play the effect as irradiation head; Irradiation control part 42control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise), this irradiation control part 42control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise) is controlled the action ofirradiation head 21, with respectively to the in-plane that is set in irradiation object TC based on treatment plan (shape) A_SSInterior a plurality of bundle point SP position, and shine the particle ray B of prescribed dose simultaneously successively; And control part 4 (and sub-controller 47), this control part 4 (and sub-controller 47) is in the mode synchronous with the breathing phases of patient K, On/Off from the ejaculation of the particle ray B ofaccelerator 1 is controlled, playing as the effect of breathing Synchronization Control portion, from the synchronous mode ground of breathing phases the ejaculation of particle ray B being switched to the moment T that closes from unlatching_FThe specified time limit of rising, by in during before interdicting, irradiation control part 42 usedirradiation heads 21 to being set in in-plane in the irradiation object (shape) A in the PW or at particle ray B_SSA in the interior prescribed limit_PScanning particle ray B so that leaking dose DL dilution, therefore, though in the process that certain bundle point SP or section SS are shone because breathing has produced the beam blocking synchronously, the leaking dose DL in the beam blocking process also can be at irradiation object A_SSAdimission area A interior, that have the regulation area_PTherefore internal diffusion, can not give unnecessary dosage to specific bundle point SP, thereby can give dosage according to treatment plan.In addition, owing to can in the scope of the operational ton of scanning electro-magnet 21, carry out adimission area A_PIn wave scanning, therefore need not to add unnecessary device or change the specification of the scanning electro-magnet of common scanning irradiation usefulness.In addition, because the track of particle ray can be to the irradiation area outside sweep, so leaking dose can not shine the outer perienchyma of irradiation area.

Particularly for adimission area A_P, if will take into account and be set at distance irradiation area A as the displacement of the internal organs of irradiation object TC_SSHas the in-plane regulation surplus, that be irradiation object TC (shape) A_SSRack in, then can not give leaking dose to normal structure yet.

Perhaps, if based on setting adimission area A by the caused displacement of the breathing phases of irradiation object TC (direction, amount of movement)_P, then can be to giving leaking dose owing to breathing the normal structure that moves yet.

In addition, if according to switching instant T_FAdimission area A is set in the position that has become the bundle point SP of irradiation object down_P, then can set and restraint a little corresponding dilution scanning area, thus can be smoothly from blocking (dilution scanning) pattern switch to usually (scanning is shone) pattern.

In addition, if switch to the moment T that closes from unlatching based onaccelerator 1_FTo the time P that stops to consume till the ejecting particle ray B_L, set PW specified time limit that dilutes scanning, then can make leaking dose DL at adimission area A reliably_PThereby internal diffusion dilution.

Embodiment 2.

In above-mentionedembodiment 1, from synchronously the ejaculation of particle ray being switched to the moment T that closes from unlatching with breathing phases_FMakeirradiation head 21 to the in-plane A that be set in irradiation object in the PW specified time limit of rising_SSOn prescribed limit A_PIn dilute scanning, make leaking dose DL at prescribed limit A thus_PInternal diffusion and dilution, but in scanning irradiation, the ejaculation of particle ray is switched to the action of closing from unlatching might not be synchronous with breathing phases.For example, also the ejaculation of particle ray being switched to from unlatching in the time of also can finishing in the irradiation to last bundle point and close, wherein, is final moment to the scanning irradiation of each section SS to the irradiation of last bundle point the finish time.

In the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of embodiments of thepresent invention 2, when the irradiation to last bundle point of the above-mentioned SS that respectively cuts into slices finishes, the ejaculation of beam B switched to from unlatching close, and make the leaking dose DL of this moment at adimission area A by scanning_PInternal diffusion and dilution.In the scanning irradiation, decide the configuration of bundle point SP of each section SS and the dosage of exposure pathways WPS and each bundle SP by treatment plan in advance.Then, the plan that determines according to treatment plan comes the first bundle point SP to section SS₁Shine, at first bundle point SP₁Exposure dose reach the dosage that treatment plan determines after, be scanned up to a next bundle point SP₂, similarly, after reaching the exposure dose that treatment plan determines, be scanned up to a next bundle point SP again₃Thus, last that finish this section SS restrainted some SP_NIrradiation, and bundle point SP in the end_NExposure dose reach the exposure dose that treatment plan determines after, the blocking of beam B is carried out in indication.

At this moment, also as utilizing Fig. 4 describes the moment T that carries out the beam blocking in indication_FDown, beam is not interdicted fully, and it is remaining in period P L that beam current fails to be convened for lack of a quorum, thereby can be to last bundle point SP_NGive the corresponding leaking dose DL with the integration amount DL of beam current.Inpresent embodiment 2, same withembodiment 1, at adimission area A_PInterior last bundle point SP to above-mentioned each section_NThe leaking dose DL of irradiation when finishing dilute scanning, make its diffusion and dilution thus.Consequently, can not give unnecessary dosage to specific bundle point, thereby can carry out giving of dosage according to treatment plan.

As mentioned above, the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus related according to present embodiment 2 comprises: accelerator 1, and this accelerator 1 accelerates charged particle beam (particle ray) B and penetrate; Scanning electro-magnet 21, this scanning electro-magnet 21 have scanning direction different two electric magnet 21a, 21b, and the particle ray B that penetrates from accelerator 1 is shone to prescribed direction, to play the effect as irradiation head; Irradiation control part 42 control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise), this irradiation control part 42 control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise) is controlled the action of irradiation head 21, make to based on treatment plan and a plurality of section SS that after on the depth direction irradiation object TC being cut apart, obtain, to the in-plane that is set in the SS that respectively cuts into slices (shape) A_SsInterior a plurality of bundle point SP position respectively, and shine the particle ray B of prescribed dose simultaneously successively; And control part 4, this control part 4 is at each last the bundle point SP to a plurality of section SS_NIrradiation finish after, close the ejaculation from the particle ray of accelerator 1, from last the bundle point SP to section SS_NIrradiation the ejaculation of particle ray B is switched to the moment T that closes from unlatching when finishing_FThe specified time limit of rising is in the PW, perhaps at particle ray B by in during before till interdicting, irradiation control part 42 uses irradiation heads 21 to being set in in-plane in the irradiation object (shape) A_SSInterior prescribed limit A_PInterscan particle ray B, so that leaking dose DL dilution, therefore, as last the bundle point SPSP to certain section SS_NIrradiation finish, make when beam is interdicted that the leaking dose DL in the beam blocking process can be at irradiation object A_SSAdimission area A interior, that have the regulation area_PTherefore internal diffusion, can carry out giving of dosage according to treatment plan, and can be to last bundle point SPSP of each SS that cuts into slices_NGive unnecessary dosage.In addition, owing to can in the scope of the operational ton of scanning electro-magnet 21, carry out adimission area A_PIn wave scanning, therefore need not to add unnecessary device or change the specification of the scanning electro-magnet of common scanning irradiation usefulness.In addition, because the track of particle ray can be to the irradiation area outside sweep, so leaking dose can not shine the outer perienchyma of irradiation area.

In addition, the present invention and not only inembodiment 1 and 2 during the blocking of the beam of record, but the leaking dose that produces under the situation to blocking beam when scanning is shone dilutes scanning, leaking dose is disperseed and dilution, certainly, also can be applicable to situation former because of other thereby that beam is interdicted.For other reason, enumerate a following example and describe.Namely, exist because of from devices such as the intensity of beam change of accelerator, beam spot change unusually, the sudden change of patient's states etc. causes the situation that the safety interlocking measure moves, makes beam to interdict, perhaps, even in same section, also can be based on treatment plan and with the situation of the temporary transient blocking of beam etc.

That is, according to present embodiment 1 or 2 related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus, comprising: accelerator 1, this accelerator 1 accelerates charged particle beam (particle ray) B and penetrate; Scanning electro-magnet 21, this scanning electro-magnet 21 have scanning direction different two electric magnet 21a, 21b, and the particle ray B that penetrates from accelerator 1 is shone to prescribed direction, to play the effect as irradiation head; Irradiation control part 42 control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise), this irradiation control part 42 control part 4 of this irradiation control part 42 (or comprise) is controlled the action of irradiation head 21, with to each section of a plurality of section SS of obtaining after on the depth direction irradiation object TC being cut apart or be set in in-plane (the shape) A of irradiation object TC_SSInterior a plurality of bundle point SP position respectively, and shine the particle ray B of prescribed dose simultaneously successively; And control part 4, this control part 4 is closed the ejaculation from the particle ray of accelerator 1, is switching to the moment T that closes from unlatching from the ejaculation with particle ray B_FThe specified time limit of rising is in the PW, perhaps at particle ray B by in during before interdicting, irradiation control part 42 uses irradiation heads 21 to being set in in-plane in the irradiation object (shape) A_SSInterior prescribed limit A_PInterscan particle ray B, so that leaking dose DL dilution, therefore, even produce the beam blocking synchronously owing to breathing in the scanning irradiation process, the leaking dose DL in the beam blocking process also can be at irradiation object A_SSAdimission area A interior, that have the regulation area_PTherefore internal diffusion, can carry out giving of dosage according to treatment plan, and can not give unnecessary dosage to specific bundle point SP.In addition, owing to can in the scope of the operational ton of scanning electro-magnet 21, carry out adimission area A_PIn wave scanning, therefore need not to add unnecessary device, perhaps change the specification of the scanning electro-magnet of common scanning irradiation usefulness.In addition, because the track of particle ray can be to the irradiation area outside sweep, so leaking dose can not shine the outer perienchyma of irradiation area.

Embodiment 3.

In the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of above-mentionedembodiment 1, the so-called leaking dose when stopping by will breathing beam in the synchronous irradiation process in prescribed limit scans, and makes the leaking dose dilution, thereby reduces its influence.On the other hand, in the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus ofpresent embodiment 3, comprise the dose monitoring device, even when beam stops, the dose counting that is undertaken by the dose monitoring device can not stop yet, and can proceed, and it is mobile to next one bundle point whether to reach setting according to the dosage that each bundle point is counted.That is, be not based on charged particle beam whether by the irradiation time of blocking or halved tie point, be radiated at the dosimetry value of specifying bundle to put and scan irradiation and be based on.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are for to the structure of the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus of embodiments of thepresent invention 3 and the figure that action describes, Fig. 5 is the figure of structure of the irradiation unit of expression particle-beam therapeutic apparatus, and Fig. 6 is the flow chart that describes for the illuminating method to particle-beam therapeutic apparatus.In the related particle-beam therapeutic apparatus ofpresent embodiment 2, with regard to hardware, except as shown in Figure 5, comprise inirradiation unit 202 thedose monitoring device 24 that the correlation beam dose measures that theirradiation unit 2 of the particle-beam therapeutic apparatus that other parts andembodiment 1 are related is identical.And, different withembodiment 1, it is characterized in that, before and after the beam blocking, do not switch to special action controls such as dilution scanning, and as shown in Figure 6, control the irradiation of each bundle point based on the value that obtains afterdose monitoring device 24 measured dosage are added up.

Flow chart based on Fig. 6 describes below.

After beginning irradiation, at first set the section SS numbering (step S10, step S20) that will scan.Then, set the corresponding range of exposures A of section SS_SSPosition, path and exposure dose and other illuminate condition (step S30) with each bundle point SP.Then, scanning electro-magnet 21 carries out deflection angle control corresponding to each object bundle point SP after, based on the measured value from radiacmeter 24, begin the dosage of this bundle point SP is added up (step S40～60).Then, under the aggregate-value D of the dosage that measures reaches the situation of setting value, (be not "No" among the step S70), keep the control deflection angle towards the state of this bundle point SP.On the other hand, if the aggregate-value D of the dosage that measures becomes setting value above (being "Yes" among the step S70), and this bundle point SS is not last bundle point (being "No" among the step S80), then is transferred to the next one and restraints a SP (step S40).If this bundle point SP is last bundle point (being "Yes" among the step S80), then judge whether to be last a slice section, if not last a slice section SS (being "No" among the step S90), then be transferred to next section SS (step S20), the complex phase of laying equal stress on action together.In addition, if last a slice section SS (being "Yes" among the step S90) then finishes irradiation.

In these flow processs, even produced the blocking action of beam by gate signal, also can specially not change the action of scanning electro-magnet, and only based on the aggregate-value of the dosage measured value of the charged particle beam B that provides, come the bundle point SP of the deflection angle defined that set this moment to control.If hypothesis makes internal organs move 30mm because the cycle is 5 seconds breathing, then internal organs mobile distance in 1 millisecond is 6 μ m, even the blocking of hypothesis beam needs 1 millisecond, the inhomogeneities of the caused dosage of movement of internal organs can not produce bigger influence yet.Thus, though when beam interdicts, produce leaking dose or when opening beam again the dosage instability, the mode that also can equal the setting value that treatment plan determined with the dosage that gives each bundle point is shone.In addition, when being wanted long time to beam by the time ratio official hour till interdicting, also can take Security Countermeasures, for example activate the interlocking measure, stop irradiation etc.

Label declaration

1 accelerator

2 irradiation units

3 induction systems

4 control parts

5 prime accelerators

6 therapeutic rooms

7 breathe synchronizer

21 scanning electro-magnets (21a:x direction (upstream) scanning electro-magnet, 21b:y direction (downstream) scanning electro-magnet)

22 ridged filters

23 range transducers

24 dose monitoring devices

42 irradiation units sub-controller (irradiation control part)

47 breathe synchronizer sub-controller (breathing Synchronization Control portion)

ADS is range of exposures

A_PDilution scanning adimission area

A_SSRange of exposures in the section (in-plane in the irradiation object)

AUS is range of exposures not

B charged particle beam (particle ray)

The DL leaking dose

K patient

PL leaked between the light period

PW dilutes scan period

SP restraints point

The SS section

TC affected part (irradiation object)

T_FBeam switching instant (during blocking)

T_FBeam switching instant (when opening again)

The WPS scanning pattern

X_BThe beam axis of particle beam

Variation with hundred each embodiments of numeral that illustrate.

Claims (7)

Translated fromChinese

1.一种粒子射线治疗装置，包括：1. A particle beam therapy device, comprising:加速器，该加速器将粒子射线加速并射出；an accelerator, which accelerates and emits particle rays;照射头，该照射头具有扫描方向不同的两个电磁铁，并将从所述加速器射出的粒子射线向规定方向照射；an irradiation head, the irradiation head has two electromagnets with different scanning directions, and irradiates the particle beam emitted from the accelerator in a prescribed direction;照射控制部，该照射控制部对所述照射头的动作进行控制，以分别对设定在照射对象内的平面方向上的多个束点依次照射规定剂量的粒子射线；以及an irradiation control unit that controls the operation of the irradiation head to sequentially irradiate a predetermined dose of particle beams to a plurality of beam spots set in a planar direction within the irradiation target; and控制部，该控制部对来自所述加速器的粒子射线的射出进行开启/关闭控制，a control unit that controls on/off the emission of particle beams from the accelerator,在从将所述粒子射线的射出从开启切换成关闭的时刻起的规定期间内，或者在粒子射线被遮断之前的期间内，所述照射控制部使用所述照射头，来向设置在所述照射对象内的平面方向上的规定范围内扫描所述粒子射线，以稀释剂量。During a predetermined period from when the emission of the particle beam is switched from on to off, or until the particle beam is interrupted, the irradiation control unit uses the irradiation head to direct the The particle beam is scanned within a prescribed range in a plane direction within the irradiation object to dilute the dose.2.如权利要求1所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，2. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:所述控制部以与患者的呼吸相位同步的方式，对来自所述加速器的粒子射线的射出进行开启/关闭控制。The control unit performs ON/OFF control of emission of particle beams from the accelerator in synchronization with the breathing phase of the patient.3.如权利要求1或2所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，3. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:所述多个束点设定在多个切片各自的平面方向上，该多个切片通过在深度方向上对所述照射对象进行分割而得到，The plurality of beam spots are set in respective plane directions of a plurality of slices obtained by dividing the irradiated object in the depth direction,在对所述多个切片各自的最后一个束点的照射结束后，所述控制部进行控制，以关闭来自所述加速器的粒子射线的射出。After the irradiation of the last beam spot of each of the plurality of slices is completed, the control unit controls to turn off emission of particle beams from the accelerator.4.如权利要求1至3的任一项所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，4. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:所述规定范围设定在所述照射对象内的平面方向上规定宽度内。The predetermined range is set within a predetermined width in a planar direction within the irradiation object.5.如权利要求1至3的任一项所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，5. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:基于伴随所述照射对象的所述呼吸相位而产生的位移，来设定所述规定范围。The predetermined range is set based on a displacement accompanying the respiratory phase of the irradiated subject.6.如权利要求1至5的任一项所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，6. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:根据成为了照射对象的束点的位置来设定所述规定范围。The predetermined range is set according to the position of the beam spot to be irradiated.7.如权利要求1至6的任一项所述的粒子射线治疗装置，其特征在于，7. The particle beam therapy apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that,基于从将所述加速器从开启切换成关闭的时刻起、到停止射出所述粒子射线为止所消耗的时间，来决定所述规定期间。The predetermined period is determined based on a time elapsed from when the accelerator is switched from on to off until emission of the particle beam is stopped.

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